CBS News is reeling from a devastating wave of layoffs that have left dozens of employees without jobs as part of a broader cost-cutting effort by parent company Paramount. The network, which had been bracing itself for months for such a move, was hit with a "bloodbath" of cuts that affected multiple departments and resulted in the closure of its Johannesburg bureau.
The extent of the job losses is not entirely clear, but sources indicate that fewer than 100 staff members have been let go. The network's Saturday morning program will undergo significant changes, while CBS Mornings Plus and CBS Evening News Plus streaming shows are being cancelled.
One employee described the process as "nerve-racking," saying that "seems no one is safe." This sense of uncertainty was compounded by the appointment of new editor in chief Bari Weiss, whose role in shaping the layoffs remains unclear. Weiss acknowledged the challenges facing the network, calling it an "enormously difficult day" for staff who have dedicated years to their work.
Despite these tough times, Paramount CEO David Ellison has expressed confidence that the company's future is bright, with his memo to staff praising their professionalism and resilience during a period of transition. The job losses are part of a longer-term plan to double the number of layoffs, which will ultimately shape the network's structure and priorities.
The recent layoffs mark one of the largest rounds in CBS News history, following a previous round of significant job losses in May 2020. This latest wave of cuts raises questions about the future of the network and its commitment to quality journalism, as it seeks to position itself for long-term success under new leadership.
The extent of the job losses is not entirely clear, but sources indicate that fewer than 100 staff members have been let go. The network's Saturday morning program will undergo significant changes, while CBS Mornings Plus and CBS Evening News Plus streaming shows are being cancelled.
One employee described the process as "nerve-racking," saying that "seems no one is safe." This sense of uncertainty was compounded by the appointment of new editor in chief Bari Weiss, whose role in shaping the layoffs remains unclear. Weiss acknowledged the challenges facing the network, calling it an "enormously difficult day" for staff who have dedicated years to their work.
Despite these tough times, Paramount CEO David Ellison has expressed confidence that the company's future is bright, with his memo to staff praising their professionalism and resilience during a period of transition. The job losses are part of a longer-term plan to double the number of layoffs, which will ultimately shape the network's structure and priorities.
The recent layoffs mark one of the largest rounds in CBS News history, following a previous round of significant job losses in May 2020. This latest wave of cuts raises questions about the future of the network and its commitment to quality journalism, as it seeks to position itself for long-term success under new leadership.
. The thought of all those talented journalists losing their jobs is really disheartening. I mean, we already know the media industry has been struggling with changes in consumer behavior and whatnot, but it's still a shame to see people get let go like that.
I'm telling you, something fishy is going on here. First, Paramount's CEO David Ellison is raking in the dough, while his staff is getting chopped to the bone 
. It's like he's playing a game of musical chairs, but instead of music, it's just a bunch of scared employees trying to figure out what they're going to do next 
.
. Who is she? What's her angle? Is she really the answer to CBS News' problems or is she just another puppet in the corporate game 
?
), but something about this whole thing doesn't sit right with me. It feels like Paramount is just trying to shape up its network into something that looks good on paper, but lacks the heart and soul of real journalism 
.
Maybe they're looking to sell off CBS News or merge it with another company altogether 
. I don't know, but my instincts are telling me that there's more to this story than meets the eye 
.
? Anyway, gotta give it up for Bari Weiss for being real about the tough times ahead 
but can we please talk more about how this affects quality journalism in the long run? 
Like, I get it, times are tough and stuff, but this is a network that's supposed to be all about quality journalism 
And now they're canceling shows like CBS Mornings Plus? 
That just feels so...sad 
Bari Weiss coming in as the new editor-in-chief might not help either, tbh 
. I mean, I know costs have to be cut, but it feels like they're cutting corners instead of investing in their employees 
.
. Can't they just find a way to make them work? And what's up with this new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss? I mean, I've heard she's a smart woman and all, but is she the right person for the job? 
. I hope Paramount CEO David Ellison knows what he's doing because it seems like they're making some big changes 
. Fingers crossed, right? 
. It's been happening in many industries lately, and we're all just trying to figure out how to adapt. The fact that it's a big round of cuts is concerning, but at the same time, I hope they'll come out stronger on the other side 
. All these changes can be scary, especially for those who've been with the network for years 
. It's been a tough time for many in the media industry, and I think we're seeing the effects of the changing landscape. With the rise of online news and social media, traditional TV networks like CBS are having to adapt or risk being left behind 
.
.
. I get that companies need to make changes to stay competitive, but it feels like they're cutting away at the heart of what makes journalism great – the people who put in the hard work every day 
. And now we're seeing the impact on Saturday morning programs and streaming shows 
. Bring on the change! 
. On the other hand, it's also super worrying that they're going through such massive changes without really explaining what's happening or how it'll affect their journalism standards... Like, what's being cut and what's staying? 
... CBS News is reeling from a bloodbath of cuts that's got everyone on edge. I mean, we all knew the writing was on the wall, but still, it's always sad to see good people lose their jobs. And what's with the unclear role of this new editor in chief? It just adds to the uncertainty and unease. The future of quality journalism is looking pretty bleak right now... 
i hope they do a good job but lol i dont hold my breath. David Ellison's all positive about it but i think its time 4 him 2 step up his game 
. They're trying to silence the voices that speak truth to power 
, now they're letting go of entire departments 
. I'm not buying this "transition" excuse for all these cuts 
. Mark my words, we'll see a watered-down, corporate-friendly version of CBS News emerge from the ashes 
.